Emerald-green water, natural swimming pools and jungle surrounding you on every side, the Erawan Waterfalls are one of those places in Thailand that you really need to experience for yourself. Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi province attracts visitors with its seven tiers of cascading waterfalls, each offering something different and equally impressive.
Before you hit the trail, however, you need to plan your journey, buy entrance tickets and decide how much time to spend exploring. The journey from Bangkok takes several hours, so it helps to understand your transport options in advance, from public buses to a private transfer with a guide.
In this guide, we have put together everything you need to plan your visit, step by step, based on our regular trips to Erawan. At AsiaTrip, we have been organizing trips to Thailand’s national parks since 2019, and the Erawan waterfalls are a regular highlight of our itineraries. Below, you will find practical advice on getting there, costs and what to expect at each of the seven tiers.
What to Know Before You Go
Erawan National Park is located in Kanchanaburi province, approximately 200 km west of Bangkok. Before boarding a bus or arranging a transfer, there are a few important things to know that will help you avoid unpleasant surprises when you arrive. The Erawan Waterfalls are a popular day-trip destination, so the park can get very crowded during peak season. A little preparation makes a big difference.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fees
The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you enter after 2:00 PM, you will not have enough time to explore all seven tiers comfortably. Tickets are purchased at the entrance ticket counter. The entrance fee for foreign visitors is 300 THB per person (as of 2025), and vehicle parking is charged separately.
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Entrance ticket (foreign visitor) | 300 THB |
| Entrance ticket (Thai national) | 40 THB |
| Car parking | 30 THB |
| Motorcycle parking | 20 THB |
Arrive at the park no later than 10:00 AM. This gives you enough time to explore all seven tiers without rushing.
Best Time to Visit
The best season to visit is from November to April. Dry weather makes the trails safer, while the natural pools take on that distinctive emerald-green color you see in photographs. During the rainy season, from May to October, water levels rise considerably, and swimming in some pools is prohibited for safety reasons.
Avoid weekends and Thai public holidays, when the park attracts large crowds of local families and school groups. Weekdays during the dry season are by far the best choice for a peaceful visit. You may have much of the trail to yourself and can spend as long as you like at each tier.
Step 1. Plan Your Journey from Bangkok or Kanchanaburi
There are several ways to reach Erawan Waterfalls, depending on where you are starting and how much time you have. The key decision is whether to choose public transport or a private transfer, as each option has different advantages and cost considerations.
Getting There from Bangkok
Regular buses run from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) to the bus station in Kanchanaburi. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours and costs around 100-130 THB. Once you arrive in Kanchanaburi, you transfer to a local minivan heading towards the park. The entire journey takes approximately 4-5 hours each way.
If you value your time and comfort, a private transfer from Bangkok directly to the park can save you more than an hour and eliminates the hassle of changing vehicles.
| Transport Option | Travel Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Public bus + minivan | 4-5 hours | 200-250 THB |
| Private transfer | 2.5-3 hours | from 1500 THB |
Getting There from Kanchanaburi
From central Kanchanaburi, minibuses and local buses run directly to the park, departing from the bus station on Saengchuto Road. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs 50-80 THB. Departures are available in the morning, so start your day early to make sure you reach the park before 10:00 AM.
Step 2. Enter the Park and Get Organized
Once you pass through the main entrance, there are a few practical things to take care of before heading onto the trail. Organizing your time and equipment right from the start will make your visit much smoother, without unnecessary stress as you explore the different tiers of the Erawan Waterfalls.
Ticket Counter and Trail Map
You buy your tickets at the entrance ticket counter and pay in cash using Thai baht. Prepare the correct amount beforehand, as the ATM near the park does not always work. At the counter, you can also get a simple trail map showing all seven tiers and the distances between them. Keep it handy, as some trail signs can be difficult to follow, particularly at the higher levels.
Ask at the ticket counter whether all seven tiers are currently open. During the rainy season, sections of the trail may be closed for safety reasons.
Changing Rooms and Luggage Storage
Just beyond the entrance, you will find changing facilities where you can get ready for a swim in the natural pools. There is also a paid luggage storage facility near the entrance. Leave your heavy backpack there and take only the essentials onto the trail:
- water (at least 1.5 liters per person)
- snacks for several hours of hiking
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- a change of dry clothes
- a waterproof phone case
Step 3. Explore All 7 Tiers of Erawan Waterfalls
The trail through the Erawan Waterfalls winds through the jungle alongside the Khwae Yai River, with a total round-trip distance of approximately 3-4 kilometers. Exploring all seven tiers takes around two to three hours, depending on your walking pace and how often you stop for a swim.
Tiers 1-4: An Easy Start
The first four tiers are accessible to almost all visitors, thanks to a well-maintained trail that is not particularly physically demanding. This is where you will find the largest emerald-green swimming pools and the bathing spots featured in many of the iconic photographs of Erawan.
| Tier | Name | What You Will See |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pha Nam Tok | The largest pool, an ideal spot for swimming |
| 2 | Wang Matcha | Shallow water and fish that feed from your hand |
| 3 | Pha Bi Ta | A picturesque rocky passage |
| 4 | Oung Pha Baat | A peaceful pool surrounded by trees |
Tiers 5-7: Worth the Extra Effort
The upper tiers involve more climbing over rocks and tree roots, but the crowds thin out considerably after the fourth level. At tiers six and seven, you have a good chance of enjoying some peace and quiet along with spectacular views that you will not find closer to the entrance. Allow an additional 45 minutes for this section of the trail.
Bring waterproof shoes or sandals with good grip, as wet rocks on the upper tiers can be extremely slippery.
Step 4. Pack Smart and Stay Safe
Before visiting Erawan Waterfalls, take a moment to think about what you should bring. Having the right equipment means you can focus on enjoying the trail rather than dealing with problems you could easily have anticipated before leaving.
What to Bring on the Trail
Pack a lightweight backpack. The less you carry, the better, as the trail between the tiers requires you to move confidently over wet rocks. Here is the essential equipment that will genuinely come in handy:
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Sandals with non-slip soles | Wet rocks are slippery |
| Water (min. 1.5 liters) | No shops along the trail |
| SPF 50+ sunscreen | Several exposed sections in direct sunlight |
| Dry T-shirt in a resealable plastic bag | Comfort after swimming |
| Cash in Thai baht | The ticket counter and luggage storage do not accept cards |
Safety Guidelines
Swimming is permitted only in designated pools. At each tier, you will find information signs indicating safe swimming areas. Stay out of the water near the cascades, where currents are stronger, especially after recent rainfall.
Never leave valuables unattended near the water. Theft can occur in popular tourist areas, even inside national parks.
Children and older visitors should limit their hike to the first four tiers, where the trail is safer and well maintained.
Final Thoughts
Erawan Waterfalls is one of those places that is difficult to describe in words and even more impressive when you see it in person. You now have everything you need to plan your visit: information about transport, entrance fees, essential equipment and what awaits you at each of the seven tiers. Arrive early, leave your heavy luggage at the entrance and take your time exploring the trail. That is the best way to make the most of your experience.
If you would rather not handle transport and logistics yourself, you can leave the arrangements to us. At AsiaTrip, we have been running tours to Erawan Waterfalls since 2019, with pickup from Bangkok, a licensed Thai guide, an English-speaking group coordinator and full assistance throughout the trip. Our private VIP tours are designed for closed groups of 4 to 20 people. You get to spend your time enjoying the park instead of figuring out bus schedules.
Discover what our tour includes: Erawan Waterfalls, Thailand’s Turquoise Cascades.
If you are looking for a similar nature experience, take a look at this day trip from Bangkok into nature.
Related: Tours from Chiang Mai: Best Routes and Attractions.
Related: What to See in Kanchanaburi: A Complete Historical Guide.
Related: Chiang Rai White Temple: A Guide to Wat.
Related: Thailand’s Death Railway: History, Sightseeing and Practical Tips.
Related: Jim Thompson House Bangkok: A Complete Guide to Visiting.
No comments